Inheriting a grandfather clock...400 years old?

Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 1:54 am     Post subject: Inheriting a grandfather clock...400 years old?

My wife's 93 year old grandfather owns a 7-ish foot grandfather clock that he claims is from the 1600s. He and his wife were both Dutch, though he's not sure of the clock's origins nor can he clearly explain why he believes it's that old. The only identifying mark I can find is on the brass inner workings where "H SARTORIUS" is stamped. The weight is unbelievably heavy.

Any info or recommendations on how to learn more would be appreciated.






[/img]

Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 10:46 pm     Post subject:

cool clock, needs a cleaning.

Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2012 10:29 pm     Post subject:

The following link may help you to verify the date of this clock assembly:

http://www.antiqueclockspriceguide.com/datinggeneral.php

This site lists some general facts that could help you to estimate a given clock's manufacture date (within a span of a few years/decades).

Of particular interest:

Note that the second hand was not commonly used on tall case clocks until around 1780 and after.

Note that matching (coordinating) hour and minute hands can be dated back to 1775 (as clocks usually only included the hour hand prior to that. Back then, no one really had need for the minutes - the hour marker was good enough).

Note that dots in the time ring (the ring which surrounds the numerals on the outside) were not commmonplace until around 1785 (after the addition of the minute hand).

These are not rules of thumb, but are some general guidelines to consider. If I were to take an educated guess, I would say that this clock might have been produced in the late 1700's (or later) rather than the 1600's (but I admit that my guess could be wrong). The puzzling aspect is that your clock face does not have the moving moon gear (which was commonplace around 1745 and beyond - well before hour/minute hands, etc). It could be, however, that the purchaser of the clock did not want this feature and opted for a non-moon gear face.

Have you checked the case for any identifying markers, stamps, wood burnings, or carvings that may indicate the maker? Especially on the inside of the case? Unfortunately, I was unable to find any info on the movement manufacter (H Sartoruis)...

Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2012 10:40 pm     Post subject:

Something about the dial does not look correct, kinda looks like it was cobbled together. Is there truly a second hand?

Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2012 1:33 pm     Post subject: good clock

Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2012 1:33 pm     Post subject: good clock

I think that clock is still in a good condition, i mean, after some tweaks here and there. For a collector, this one would be very good, but I do not think I want one for my house as it looks to antiquated. You can try out this website for wall clocks which are very hip: http://www.gshellcrafts.com/genesis-shell-wall-clocks/